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ZBA grants special exception to add covered porch to 1690s house on Thornton Road West
Summary
The Merrimack Zoning Board granted a special exception to allow a 12x12 covered porch on an historic house at 2 Thornton Road West, finding the addition compatible with reuse of the pre‑1953 structure; vote recorded 3‑0 with one abstention.
The Merrimack Zoning Board on July 23 approved a special exception for a 12‑by‑12 covered porch at 2 Thornton Road West, a pre‑1953 house that does not conform to current setback requirements.
Applicant Clifford Pitron described the proposed porch as a non‑enclosed front entry porch with composite decking and a roof tied into the existing structure. “It’s just a 12 by 12 porch, not enclosed…a roof off the existing roof to cover the porch,” Pitron told the board.
Board members examined whether the porch would create hazards due to proximity to the narrow, single‑lane Thornton Road West. Pitron said he measured roughly 12 feet from the proposed porch corner to the road and estimated any further encroachment over the current facade would be small (about 2 feet) due to the home’s angle.
A board member noted the house is historically significant and supports careful amendments to preserve use. The board found the eight special‑exception criteria met — including no increased hazard to vehicles or pedestrians and preservation of existing building character — and voted to grant the special exception. The meeting record shows the vote as three in favor, one abstention; the chair noted the 30‑day appeal period.
Next steps: the applicant must secure the required building permits and coordinate any required DPW or Community Development reviews before construction begins.
